Dazed and Confused - Jeff O’Neill Chatter
You have to give Luke DeCock some credit over at Lord Stanley’s Blog. During the past two days, he has stirred the Caniac Nation up into a frenzy, and it’s not even hockey season.
Monday, he brought up the subject of parking at the RBC, which nearly everyone has a complaint about. Tuesday evening he made a posting about the possible return of Jeff O’Neill, a player who brings strong emotions out of many in the Hurricanes faithful.
Some of the emotions are positive, some not so much.
O’Neill will always be special to some fans for his heroics during the 2002 playoffs. I mean, the guy took a puck to the face in one particular game, only to come back in that game to eventually score the game winner.
But other fans will remember the public intoxication, public urination arrest, and the DUI’s, as well as the moodiness and inconsistent effort on the ice.
People can change though, just look at Josh Hamilton. If everyone would have given up on him a couple of years ago, where would he be now?
Perhaps O’Neill has turned a new leaf? (no pun intended)
Jim Rutherford was quoted as saying that he might take a look at Jeff if the forward agreed to a 2-way contract and he would “probably” start in Albany.
The “probably” scares some folk.
If he didn’t start in Albany, then where would he start?
Even some fans who leave emotion out of the equation are going to question Rutherford’s motive if this possible signing comes to fruition. It’s well known that Rutherford’s family and O’Neill’s family are close friends in the suburbs of Toronto.
Could he be thinking of signing the forward, a player who was playing in the beer leagues last year, just as a personal favor?
This move might be deemed reasonable if the Canes were desperate for help at the forward position and no one else was available. But if it truly is an organizational depth type of signing, it seems more likely that a younger player would have more potential.
This is one reason why the franchise is listed as having the worst system of prospects in the entire NHL. They seem more content to trade away draft picks and then sign older, re-tread players, than to build from within using youth.
Rutherford is also quoted as saying that they may experiment with O’Neill at center ice, where he played in juniors. Since the forward has been out of junior hockey for about 13 years, that might be easier said than done.
Just one more question that leaves me scratching my head. If the Canes were needing depth at center, why did they allow Keith Aucoin to walk away two weeks ago?
Led Zeppelin
About the Author: Bubba is a hockey fan/citizen journalist who has always wanted to be a sportswriter and is pursuing his dream. He also writes a Hurricanes blog for 
Paladin6 | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
Farfignugen….
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wylde4canes | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
wow. I thought dude had a crippling fear of flying. If he comes back he is gonna haveta ride the plane.
Swenk | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
Bubba,
I was just thinking the other day about how in hockey players seem to be able to come home again, more so than any other sport. You never here of players coming back home in the NFL or the NBA, don’t follow MLB that closely to know. Could O come back home to some success? As far as the last few years, losing your baby brother, or any sibling for that matter, would devastate any of us. Everyone deserves a second chance, albeit in O’s case he should have to start in the AHL and work his way up. O could quite possibly be the purest goal scorer the Canes have ever had. He did score 40+ goals in the dead puck era. I know Ronnie had alot to do with that, but all the same the man can rip it.
other note, please RBC center fix the damn mess that is parking for hockey.
Swenk
Swenk | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
Have a question for anyone…what constitutes a prospect? The link provided by Bubba list Taeves and Kane as prospects for Chicago…seems to me that prospects would be unproven, not yet in NHL players…does age have any bearing on this. I think the boyz in Chi-town are considered up and coming stars, not prospects…Is Babchuk not a prospect? How can Jack Johnson still be a prospect? He has two years under his belt. I do not dispute the Canes ranking, just wonder what is a prospect? Maybe this list is from before last season, didn’t check date of publish. Wouldn’t Casey Borer be considered a good prospect? forgive my rants, I have a little free time this am.
wylde4canes | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
swenk,
hockeysfuture is a great website, but they are somewhat undermanned and a little slow in “graduating’ prospects, and even to an extent in updating who owns their rights. That being said, it is a fantastic sight1
Bubba | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
Swenk, The information is a bit out-dated. I don’t see many stats for last season included. You have valid questions as to how they categorize a “prospect” because there seem to be some inconsistencies.
I have been in contact with someone who works for Hockey’s Future though, so we may have some answers for you in a few days.
David | Jul 17, 2008 | Reply
I think the main reason that Aucoin became expendable was mainly due to size. We still have Larose and Bayda as 4th liners who aren’t exactly big and JR wanted to add some size to our 4th line. O’Neill certainly has decent size and toughness. I’m all for signing him to a 2-way and letting him show the team that he wants it. If he shows up for Camp Brind’Amour and works his tail off, he could end up being one of the steals of the offseason. From my standpoint, Jeff’s problems are 99% psychological and maybe he’s in a better place regarding his brother and his own alcohol use then he has been for a while. If my own brother or one of my best friends were to die tragically, I would be a basket case for quite a while. I’m sure that Jeff deserves some consideration due to what he’s been through. He may be a little out of shape, but there is no questioning his ability. If he wants it, it’s his for the taking.
KRP | Jul 17, 2008 | Reply
Jeff deserves a 2nd chance. Tragedy’s not easy for anyone. I agree he should get a shot at tryouts…and if he’s not quite there yet, send him to Albany and let him work his way up. They certainly need some seasoned players after being drained by trades and players coming up to us. I agree, he could be the steal of the season…another Samsonov. Then, again…
Bubba | Jul 18, 2008 | Reply
Good points.